Jalapeno Chicken

Jalapeno Chicken is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal. It features bite-sized pieces of crispy chicken tossed in a sticky, sweet, and savory sauce with a spicy kick. Serve it over rice or with mashed potatoes for a deliciously satisfying dish that’s sure to please!

Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or spice up your weeknight meals, jalapeno chicken is a great option that’s both easy to prepare and delicious. Forget the takeout when you have this easy meal in your cooking arsenal.

Why You’ll Love Jalapeno Chicken

• Bold Flavor: This dish is packed with the zesty kick of jalapeños. If you love a bit of spice, this will be a delight.
• Quick & Easy: With recipes like jalapeño chicken, you can whip up a delicious meal in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the number of jalapeños to suit your spice tolerance. You can make it as mild or as hot as you like.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: This dish is incredibly versatile, and it can be dressed up for a dinner party or kept simple for a family meal.

Ingredients

• Chicken tenderloins: These are the main protein and will be juicy and tender when cooked.
• Cornstarch: This helps to coat the chicken, giving it a crispy texture when fried.
• Oil for frying: You’ll need this to cook the chicken until it’s golden and crispy.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and flavor to the dish.
• Jalapenos: These give the dish its spicy kick.
• Sesame oil: Adds a nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• Soy sauce: Provides a salty, savory base for the sauce.
• White vinegar: Adds a bit of tang and helps balance the flavors.
• Garlic: Adds a robust flavor and aroma.
• Ketchup: Gives the sauce a rich, tangy sweetness.
• Brown sugar: Balances the heat from the jalapenos with its sweetness.

How to Make

• Step One: Add the chicken tenderloins and cornstarch to a large mixing bowl and toss to combine.
• Step Two: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Step Three: Brown the chicken quickly in the skillet. Don’t worry if it is not completely cooked; it will cook more later. Remove the chicken from the skillet.

• Step Four: Add the sesame oil, onion, and jalapenos to another skillet or the same one cleaned out. Saute over medium heat until they start to become tender and slightly browned.
• Step Five: Add the soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and ketchup. Whisk the sauce together.
• Step Six: Add the chicken to the sauce. Cook over medium heat until the sauce becomes thick and coats the chicken. Serve over rice or mashed potatoes.

Equipment Needed

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

• Cutting board
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Large skillet

What to Serve with Jalapeno Chicken

• Mexican Street Corn
• Chipotle Coleslaw
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Grilled Vegetables
• Black Bean Salad
• Cilantro Lime Rice
• Avocado Salad

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap chicken with turkey or tofu for a different taste and texture.
• Use cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to adjust the heat level.
• Add bell peppers for vibrant colors and a bit of sweetness.
• Fresh or sun-dried tomatoes can add a tangy twist.
• Use honey instead of brown sugar.
• Use less jalapenos for a milder taste.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Place leftovers in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure the chicken cools down to room temperature before storing.
• Freezing: If you want to keep the chicken longer, freeze it. Use a freezer-safe container or bag and label it with the date. Jalapeno chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: You can reheat the chicken when you’re ready to eat. For best results, use the oven. Preheat to 350°F, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until hot. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too. Just be sure to cover the chicken to keep it moist.
• Stovetop: For a quick reheat, use a skillet on medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the chicken from drying. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Cooking Tips and Tricks

• Choose the Right Chicken: When making jalapeño chicken, use boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins, breasts, or thighs. They cook evenly and absorb flavors better.
• Prepare Ahead: Dice your onions, slice your jalapeños, and measure spices before cooking. This makes the process smoother and faster.
• Spice Levels: Control the heat by adjusting the number of jalapeños. For less heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños.
• Searing Chicken: Heat oil in your skillet over medium-high heat before adding the chicken. This helps achieve a nice brown crust.
• Internal Temperature: Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

Is It Spicy?

Jalapenos bring a mild to moderate heat. On the Scoville scale, jalapenos usually range from 2,500 to 8,000 units. This means they can give your chicken a noticeable kick.

The cooking method also affects the spice level. If you cook the jalapenos with the seeds and ribs, the dish will be spicier, while removing them can make it milder.

Tips to Control Spiciness

• Add dairy: Ingredients like cream or yogurt can tone down the heat.
• Use fewer jalapenos: Try starting with one or two and add more if needed.
• Remove seeds and ribs: These are the spiciest parts of the pepper.

Chicken Dinner Recipes

• Black Pepper Chicken Udon Noodles
• Honey Buffalo Chicken
• Sticky Sesame Chicken
• Crack Chicken Casserole